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A footwear mark in blood on black nylon/lycra before and after enhancementUniversity of Abertay/PA

Nick Drainey

Published at 12:01AM, November 29 2012

Scientists have developed a way of recovering “invisible” footprints from
crime scenes. Marks not seen by the naked eye are often left at crime scenes
but previous attempts to enhance them with chemicals and light have often
destroyed them.

In a technique that would not be out of place in the CSI television
series, researchers have discovered a chemical formula to make light
footprints left on clothing and flooring more visible.

As well as providing the shoe size and brand, footprints can reveal individual
characteristics of whoever made them.